<p><span style="color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">The festival features a range of kids’ activities, tasty food options, and a diverse Vendor Fair full of local businesses and town organizations. To keep attendees smiling throughout the day, the Earth Day Stage will feature live music from the Newtown High School Jazz Ensemble, the Barn Rats, The Dirty Doorknockers and SunDad. New this year is Christine's Critters Birds of Prey presentation and Energize CT's Energy In Action Mobile Interactive Exhibit. Don’t forget to check out this year’s Silent Auction which will include great packages and offers from dozens of Newtown businesses. Visit our website to learn how to become an exhibitor or a supporting sponsor.&nbsp;</span></p><p>Learn more: <a href="http://www.newtownearthday.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.newtownearthday.org</a></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mark your calendars for an evening of travel inspiration, expert insights, and a taste of Ireland!</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mary and Jim Villamana of Expedia Cruises Brookfield, the first Expedia Cruises agency in Connecticut, invite you to an evening of exploration and inspiration at their Ireland Travel Talk event. Whether you dream of traversing the Emerald Isle by land or sea, this event is designed to provide valuable insights from industry experts while immersing you in the beauty and culture of Ireland.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Event Details:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Location: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, 56 Pole Bridge Rd, Sandy Hook, CT</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">RSVP:</span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221irelandtraveltalk2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Register Here</a></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This special evening, set against the backdrop of Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, will feature presentations from representatives of Azamara Cruise Line and CIE Tours, two industry leaders known for crafting exceptional Irish travel experiences.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Attend?</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Gain insider tips on the best ways to experience Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Discover hidden gems and unique travel experiences, from charming countryside retreats to lively cityscapes.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Learn about Ireland’s world-famous golf courses, where stunning coastlines meet legendary fairways.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Enjoy an evening of great company, engaging discussions, and a glass of fine wine.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whether you’re planning your first trip to Ireland or looking for new ways to explore, this event will provide inspiration and expert guidance to help craft your perfect Irish adventure.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the magic of Ireland—RSVP today </span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221irelandtraveltalk2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221irelandtraveltalk2025/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, in partnership with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty of Ridgefield, is thrilled to announce the second annual Emerging Artists Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support and recognize the talent of emerging artists in the community.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The selected scholarship winner will receive a monetary award of $500.00 along with a prestigious opportunity to showcase their work at the Guild of Artists satellite gallery located at William Pitt Sotheby's. This exhibit offers a platform for the recipient to gain exposure and connect with art enthusiasts and patrons.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Applicants, aged 16 years or older, are encouraged to submit their portfolios for consideration. Submissions must be received by May 15th, 2025, to be eligible for the scholarship. The selection process will be based on artistic merit, originality, and potential for growth.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">To inquire about the scholarship, or get an application, interested individuals should email Paul Gervais at </span><a href="mailto:pgervais@wpsir.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">pgervais@wpsir.com</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">.&nbsp;Enter Scholarship in the subject.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists and William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty are committed to fostering artistic development and providing opportunities for emerging talents to thrive. This scholarship represents our dedication to supporting the vibrant arts community in Ridgefield and beyond.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center">American Red Cross Blood Drive, Friday, February 28 from 11am to 5pm at Newtown Congregational Church,&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(71, 71, 71);">14 West Street. Please note that registration is low and donors are needed! </span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Learn more&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.newtown-ct.gov/home/news/american-red-cross-blood-drive-february-28" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>WestConn partners with local school districts to offer Early College dual enrollment programs</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University&nbsp;</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span>has joined with several local school districts to offer Early College dual enrollment programs for high school students. The expansion of an existing program was made possible through a $166,000 grant secured by Dr. Stephen Hegedus, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.</p><p>The program is administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education with money from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is designed to encourage more high school students to take college classes. By passing college-level courses before graduating from high school, students can decrease the amount of time needed to earn a bachelor’s degree.</p><p>Dr. Becky Hall, professor of <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/math/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mathematics</a>, is working with the school districts to bring students into the program. WestConn is working with Brookfield, Bethel, Danbury, Immaculate, Newtown, New Fairfield, and has expanded to New Milford and Ridgefield with the recent signing of MOUs.</p><p>“The focus of this grant is to make college credit accessible to more students, including those who might otherwise not pursue higher education,” Hall said. “Early college courses are a step in the right direction for closing equity gaps.”</p><p>“The grant money will help WCSU offer more classes to high school students, which will benefit them and also showcase the university’s professors and courses to college-bound juniors and seniors,” Hegedus said. “This infusion of funds will allow us to enroll dozens or hundreds more students who can begin earning credit for college courses.”</p><p>About 200 high school students were enrolled in WestConn’s Early College and Dual Enrollment programs during the 2023-24 academic year. With the grant, the goal is to double that over the coming years.</p><p>For more information, contact Communications and Marketing at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>.</p>

<p>As of now, 916 Eversource customers in Newtown remain without power. Eversource has nine crews actively working or en-route to impacted locations to restore service. A partial list of locations is included at the end of this message.</p><p>Today, I have been at the Emergency Operations Center with members of the Newtown Emergency Management Team and an Eversource official, ensuring that Newtown residents remain safe and that we receive the necessary resources for a timely power restoration. While Eversource cannot yet provide an estimated time for full restoration, I will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.</p><p>For those in need of a warm place to charge devices, the Newtown Community Center will remain open until 9 PM, and the Police Community Room is available 24/7 for residents.</p><p>We appreciate your patience and cooperation as crews work as quickly and safely as possible. Please stay safe, and I will provide further updates as they become available.</p><h3>Power Outage and Restoration Status by Road</h3><ul><li><strong>FARRELL CT</strong> – 79 – Assigned</li><li><strong>EDEN HILL RD</strong> – 48 – 3:00 PM</li><li><strong>BERKSHIRE RD</strong> – 47 – Assigned</li><li><strong>MARLIN RD</strong> – 44 – Onsite 5:45</li><li><strong>COBBLERS MILL RD</strong> – 43 – Assigned</li><li><strong>JEREMIAH RD</strong> – 42 – Assigned</li><li><strong>AUNT PARK LN</strong> – 39 – Assigned</li><li><strong>HOUSATONIC DR</strong> – 39 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>POLE BRIDGE RD</strong> – 39 – Assigned</li><li><strong>HEAD OF MEADOW RD</strong> – 37 – 4:45 PM</li><li><strong>WATERVIEW DR</strong> – 34 – Assigned</li><li><strong>ALPINE DR</strong> – 32 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>FOREST DR</strong> – 30 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>UNDERHILL RD</strong> – 30 – 4:45 PM</li><li><strong>PEARL ST</strong> – 28 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>HANOVER RD</strong> – 24 – 10:00 PM</li><li><strong>HI BARLOW RD</strong> – 24 – 3:00 PM</li><li><strong>ROSE LN</strong> – 21 – Assigned</li><li><strong>FIELDSTONE DR</strong> – 20 – Enroute</li><li><strong>HATTERTOWN RD</strong> – 20 – Assigned</li><li><strong>HIGH BRIDGE RD</strong> – 20 – Onsite 5:45</li><li><strong>WASHINGTON AVE</strong> – 20 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>SILVER CITY RD</strong> – 19 – Onsite 5:45</li><li><strong>SERENE WAY</strong> – 18 – 3:00 PM</li><li><strong>ALPINE CIR</strong> – 17 – Assigned</li><li><strong>ELANA LN</strong> – 17 – Assigned</li><li><strong>SHEPAUG RD</strong> – 16 – Onsite 4:15</li><li><strong>BRANDYWINE LN</strong> – 15 – Assigned</li><li><strong>ENGLESIDE TER</strong> – 15 – Assigned</li><li><strong>HOSEYE COACH RD</strong> – 15 – Onsite 5:45</li><li><strong>OLD BETHEL RD</strong> – 15 – Assigned</li><li><strong>SADDLE RIDGE RD</strong> – 15 – Enroute</li><li><strong>BALDWIN RD</strong> – 13 – Assigned</li><li><strong>AVALON WAY</strong> – 12 – 8:05 AM</li><li><strong>LONGVIEW RD</strong> – 11 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>PHILO CURTIS RD</strong> – 11 – 3:00 PM</li><li><strong>MACKENZIE CIR</strong> – 8 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>POPLAR DR</strong> – 7 – Assigned</li><li><strong>TODDS RD</strong> – 7 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>BARKER DR</strong> – 4 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>RIVERSIDE RD</strong> – 4 – Assigned</li><li><strong>DICKENSON DR</strong> – 3 – Assigned</li><li><strong>SCHOOLHOUSE HILL RD</strong> – 3 – 4:15 PM</li><li><strong>LAKEVIEW TER</strong> – 2 – 5:45 PM</li><li><strong>ROUTE 34</strong> – 2 – Assigned</li><li><strong>BRIDLE PATH TRL</strong> – 1 – Assigned</li></ul><h3><br></h3><p><br></p>